(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- West Windsor Arts has introduced two new, tuition-free classes as part of its Happy Hands Studio, a welcoming program designed specifically for students ages 8 to 15 who identify as neurodiverse. Beginning January 2026, the new classes—Theater Explorers and Color Creatives—will be taught by a professional teaching artist with the support of a paraprofessional, allowing students to explore their creativity at their own pace while building confidence, social connection and artistic skills.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive and joyful space where every student feels safe to express themselves,” says Aylin Green, Executive Director, West Windsor Arts. “We want students to have the freedom to participate in ways that work best for them.”
Among the new offerings is Theater Explorers, a seven-session acting and improv program for ages 8 to 13, held Tuesday afternoons beginning January 20 from 4:15pm to 5:15pm. Students will use their bodies, voices, imaginations and emotions to bring stories to life through character creation, improv games and ensemble activities in a supportive environment that emphasizes flexibility and choice.
“Students can expect a mix of high-energy theater games, guided monologue or scene practice, character exploration, and collaborative storytelling,” says teaching artist Jessica Benvenuti, who has been involved in theater for more than 15 years. “They’ll learn acting techniques, voice and movement skills, and improvisation.”
Beginning January 24, West Windsor Arts is also launching Color Creatives, a five-session, one-hour painting and drawing class for ages 12 to 15 that will meet on Saturdays at 10:15am. Students will explore the exciting world of color through hands-on projects that build confidence and self-expression—learning the color wheel, experimenting with warm and cool palettes, and discovering how artists use color to communicate ideas.
“Both classes focus on positive experiences, self-expression and fun, not perfection,” adds Benvenuti. “Even students who are hesitant often surprise themselves with how much they enjoy it, so I always encourage families to give it a try.”
“Thanks to a grant from the Capitol County Children's Collaborative (CCCC), we are able to create and expand tuition-free opportunities for neurodiverse youth,” says Green. The funding is dedicated to addressing unmet needs for children, ages 8 to 15, with autism and development and behavioral needs in the Mercer County area.
“We know how transformative the arts can be for neurodiverse learners, and for everyone!” Green says.
Families interested in enrolling or learning more can email [email protected].
West Windsor Arts offers art and cultural events, workshops and classes for all ages and in all disciplines at its art center and in the community. For more information, call 609.716.1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
